Provincial Money For Anti-Racism Programs in Abbotsford And Langley

Abbotsford/Langley – To help combat racism, Abbotsford Community Services has received $20,000 from the B.C. government.

Abbotsford Community Services will use the funding to continue building their network for the Fraser Valley Human Dignity Coalition and expand their partnership with Langley. The coalition is a group of concerned citizens who gather to promote inclusion and organize against racism, hate and discrimination in Abbotsford, Langley, and throughout the Fraser Valley.

“Abbotsford Community Services is grateful to receive this funding and looks forward to building the Organizing Against Racism and Hate network in the Fraser Valley,” Director of Multicultural and Immigrant Integration Services at Abbotsford Community Services Manpreet Grewal said.

Abbotsford Community Services is one of 14 organizations throughout British Columbia participating in B.C.’s Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) program.

“We live in the most ethnically diverse province in Canada and it is important that we create an inclusive environment for all residents,” Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas said. “Increasing awareness through community dialogues will help combat racism in our community.”

“This funding will help Abbotsford Community Services to continue doing their valuable work of engaging community members to combat racism,” Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong said.

These 14 organizations are sharing $240,000 in funding from the provincial government towards activities in 24 communities that connect area networks in their common goal of wiping out racism. This includes local outreach, educational events, workshops and community engagements.

The OARH program helps communities address racism and create a long-term plan to eradicate violence, discrimination and hate in their communities.

Under the program, all activities must be developed using a collaborative, community-based process. This results in many communities combining efforts regionally to maximize funding.

Almost 30 per cent of British Columbians emigrated from another country, making it the most ethnically diverse province in Canada.